70-year-old mortar shell found at German Consulate residence in Istanbul, stirs bomb scare

A mortar shell thought to be around 70 years old was found in the garden of the German Consulate residence in Istanbul on Nov. 21, Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency has reported.

A suspected metal object was found during cleaning works at the garden of the summer residence of the German Consulate in Istanbul's Sarıyer district.

Consular authorities immediately informed the police of the object and security measures were taken in the area against a possible bomb threat.

Bomb disposal experts arrived at the scene and made examinations around the residence, finding that the metal object was a mortar shell dating back around 70 years.

Police units safely removed the mortar shell before leaving the scene.